This cable shrug knitting pattern will allow you to create a shrug with a cabled design.
I wanted to share with you another free knitting pattern that has been inspired by the TV show Outlander.
Scroll down for the free pattern or you can purchase a printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
This pattern is part of my Outlander collection, you can see the other Outlander patterns here.
Inspired By The Outlander Costumes
Inspired by Claire Fraser wearing beautiful knitted pieces, the shrug is knit by working the honeycomb cable.
If you have never knit this cable before, it is fairly easy once you get into it.
It is very versatile, as it can be worn up high to protect your head when it is really cold, or down around your shoulders.
This is an intermediate level knitting pattern, and the techniques you will need to know are knit, purl, k2tog, CF (cable forward) and CB (cable back) as well as knitting on either circular needles to accommodate the number of stitches.
Visit the Outlander Pattern Collection Ebooks in my shop below:
- The Ultimate Outlander Collection – With 39 Knitting Patterns.
- Outlander Pattern Collection 2020 – With 18 Knitting Patterns
- Outlander Pattern Collection 2019 – With 21 Knitting Patterns
The Honeycomb Cable Pattern
The honeycomb cable stitch pattern is an easy knitting repeat of eight rows.
It looks really intricate to knit, but it’s actually quite easy, once you get used to the pattern.
Using knit and purl techniques, plus two simple cable techniques, you can create this beautiful and modern looking design.
This is not a reversible pattern, meaning the wrong side looks different than the right side.
The cable abbreviations you need to know are :
- C4B = Cable 4 Back. Slip 2 Hold Back: Knit 2 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
- C4F = Cable 4 Front. Slip 2 Hold Front: Knit 2 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
Outlander Cable Shrug Pattern
Get the ad-free, printable PDF pattern HERE.
Get the Shawls, Wraps + Cowls Ebook here.
See ALL of the Outlander Pattern Ebooks here.
Notes
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.
Skill Level – Intermediate
Gauge
10 x 10 cm /4 x 4 inches = 10 sts and 14 rounds in pattern.
Measurements / Sizes
Women’s small/medium
Length laying flat – 18 inches/46 cm
Width – 11 inches / 28 cm
To make this in a larger size – cast on more stitches – in multiples of 8 Stitches.
The Supplies You Need…
Yarn
- 2 x 100g Skeins of bulky/chunky/12 Ply yarn – I used two strands knit together of Alize Yarn 100g in grey.
- You can purchase Alize yarns from YarnStreet or on Etsy.
- Alize Lanagold Yarn Substitute List.
- Knit with two strands together.
- Yarn weight – Bulky/Chunky/12 Ply.
- Yarn Weight Guide
Needles
- 12mm (US 17) circular knitting needles – I used my interchangeable circular needles on a 24″ cable as there were many stitches.
- 12mm (US 17) cable needle.
Notions
Pattern
Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviations List
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- C4F – Cable 4 forward – Slip the next two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the fabric. Knit the next two stitches from the left-hand needle and then knit the two stitches on the cable needle.
- C4B – Cable 4 back – Slip the next two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the fabric. Knit the next two stitches from the left-hand needle and then knit the two stitches on the cable needle.
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together P – Purl
- M1 = Make 1 stitch
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
Pattern Instructions
Cast on 96 stitches, pm and join in the round being careful not to twist sts.
- Round 1 – Purl
- Round 2 – Knit
- Round 3 – Purl
- Round 4 – Knit
Begin the honeycomb pattern >
- Round 1 – *C4F, C4B, rep from * to end
- Round 2 – Knit
- Round 3 – Knit
- Round 4 – Knit
- Round 5 – *C4B, C4F, rep from * to end
- Round 6 – Knit
- Round 7 – Knit
- Round 8 – Knit
Repeat rows *1-8* of the honeycomb pattern until the piece measures – 12′′ (this is just a guide – you can make it longer).
After the last row of the honeycomb pattern at your desired length – Knit 1 round.
Then cont like this:
- Round 1 – Purl
- Round 2 – Knit
- Round 3 – Purl
- Round 4 – Cast off (knit).
Weave in all loose ends.
View more Outlander Knitting Patterns here.
I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook page and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!
Happy Knitting! xoxo
Sally says
Can I knit the Outlander shrug on straight needles
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Sally, yes you can knit the shrug flat on straight needles, then seam the ends together. 🙂
Barbara says
Hi Louise,
The needle size looks so big, when I see the picture I should say Needle 6 (EU) ,, do you use a double threath or just a single very bulky. Hope to hear from you. Love all your patterns by the way 🙂
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Barbara,
I used size 12mm (US 17) needles for the shrug and yes I knit with two strands of yarn together with the yarn I had in my stash which was lighter weight in order to make a super bulky/super chunky/14 ply yarn weight.
If you are knitting with yarn that is already super bulky/super chunky/14 ply yarn weight then you only need to knit with one strand.
I hope that helps!
Louise